Blue Mound City Zoning Code
§ 20
FENCE REGULATIONS.
A.
DEFINITION.
For the purpose of this ordinance, a fence shall be any construction or hedge greater than thirty inches (30") in height and of any material the purpose of which is to provide protection from intrusion (both physical and visual), to prevent escape, mark a boundary, or provide decoration. A wall shall be considered a fence. Dikes and retaining walls for the purpose of diverting water and retaining soil are not classified as a fence.
B.
PERMITS.
Only fences over six feet (6') in height shall require a building permit.
C.
USE REGULATIONS
Property Lines: No fence, guy wire, brace, light standard sign, vee arm, barbed-wire base and arm, or any structure shall extend over any property lines.
Dimensions of Fences: No fence shall be constructed at a height exceeding eight feet (8').
Place of Fences: The purpose of the placement [regulations] of this ordinance is to prevent sight restrictions, promote safety for vehicles and pedestrians, and provide an open atmosphere in developments.
1.
Front Yard:
No fence, hedge or shrubs shall be placed in the front yard which effectively limits the vision of pedestrians or vehicular operation. No fence can be over four feet (4') tall. There can be no privacy fence constructed beyond the front building line.
2.
Side Yards:
a.
Interior Lots:
Fences may be placed on side property lines from the rear of a lot to the front building line.
b.
Corner Lots with Interior Lots Behind Them:
Fences may not extend beyond the side building line.
c.
Corner Lots with no Interior Lots Behind Them:
Fences may be placed from the rear property line to the front building line and not more than ten feet (10') beyond the side building.
3.
No fence of any height or type shall be permitted on a corner lot within or along a triangle formed by measuring thirty-five feet (35') in each direction along the property lines from the point of corner of the property lines at the street intersection except the District “SD” [sic]. Fences may be placed on property lines in District “SD”.
Fence Materials: Any and all materials used in the construction of a fence built within the legal limits of the City shall meet or exceed standards set by the Uniform Building Code regarding fire zones.
Prohibited Materials: Electrical fences or electrical attachments of any type, dimension or compositions shall not be constructed within the legal limits of the City. Permanent barbed-wire fences of any type or dimension shall not be constructed within the legal limits of the City except in the District “SD” [sic]. Vee arms or base and arms with barbed-wire not to exceed three (3) strands will be permitted in all districts except “B”, “C” and “D” and said attachments shall be considered as part of the fence in determination of the height of said fence and shall not protrude over property lines. The lowest strand of barbed wire shall be a minimum of six feet (6') above ground level.
Temporary Fences: Temporary fencing for the purpose of protecting or securing of construction sites may be allowed and notice of duration of use of temporary fencing with the schedule of time of use must be so specified in the permit for fencing. Barbed wire fences may be allowed for temporary use but must be approved by height location and number of strands by the Building Inspector.
Inspection: When a fence is completed it must be inspected. The office of the Building Inspector shall be notified upon completion of the fence. The Building Inspector will issue a card of acceptance if the fence complies with the provisions of this ordinance or it will be rejected. All fences constructed under the provisions of the ordinance shall be maintained so as to comply with the requirements of this ordinance at all times.
D.
EXISTING FENCES
Existing Fences: Any fence constructed prior to enactment or amendment of this ordinance will not be restricted by this ordinance. Any fence constructed at any time on property not within the legal limits of the City, but annexed by the City at a later date will not be restricted by this ordinance, excepting in both cases that any fence reconstruction, modifications, enlargements, extensions, alterations or any construction other than maintenance of said fence as it existed at the time of enactment or amendment of this ordinance or annexation of property containing said fence shall be regulated by this ordinance.
(Ordinance 200 adopted 7/19/88)